China’s US soybean imports recover in March but lag year-earlier levels

BEIJING: China’s soybean imports from the United States rose in March from the first two months of the year as more shipments arrived after Beijing resumed purchases late last year, though volumes were still sharply lower than a year earlier.

Trade tensions had stalled Chinese buying of the US autumn soybean harvest, with customs data showing no imports between September and December.

Purchases resumed after a late-October trade truce, with China buying about 12 million metric tons since then, now gradually reaching ports.

Imports from Brazil climbed in March but fell short of expectations due to tighter inspections.